Surreal illustration of a Northern Cardinal egg showing environmental contamination.

Cardinal Correction: Ensuring Accuracy in Environmental Research

Lena Voss in Climate & Environment December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Why a Small Mistake Matters in the Big Picture of Environmental Contamination"

In the world of scientific research, precision is paramount. Even seemingly minor errors can have significant implications, altering the interpretation of data and potentially affecting conservation efforts. A recent correction published in the Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology highlights the critical importance of accuracy in scientific publications.

The original study focused on organochlorine chemical residues found in the eggs of Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) in the Greater Washington, DC area. These persistent pollutants, once widely used in pesticides and industrial applications, can have detrimental effects on wildlife, including birds. Understanding the extent and impact of these residues is crucial for effective environmental management.

This article will delve into the details of the correction, explaining why it was necessary and what it signifies for the broader understanding of environmental contamination. We will also explore the implications of such corrections for researchers, conservationists, and anyone interested in the integrity of scientific findings.

The Devil is in the Details: Correcting the Record on Cardinal Eggs

Surreal illustration of a Northern Cardinal egg showing environmental contamination.

The original version of the article contained an error in the citation and reference to a study by Maldonado et al. The author's name was misspelled as 'Maldinado et al (2015)' instead of the correct 'Maldonado et al (2016)'. While this might seem like a trivial mistake, proper citation is essential for maintaining the integrity of scientific literature. It ensures that credit is given where it's due and allows readers to easily locate and verify the information.

In addition to the citation error, the correction also addresses an unnecessary phrase in the original text. The phrase "shell thickness" was removed from the last sentence of the first paragraph on page 743. Such details matter because inaccurate or irrelevant information can mislead readers and detract from the study's main findings.

Accurate Citations: Ensures proper credit and facilitates verification.
Precise Language: Avoids confusion and misinterpretation.
Data Integrity: Maintains the trustworthiness of scientific results.

The corrected article clarifies these points, providing an updated citation and removing the unnecessary phrase. The authors emphasize the importance of these changes for maintaining the accuracy and clarity of their research. The original article can be found using the provided DOI link. The citation for the reference section was corrected to Maldonado AR, Mora MA, Sericano JI (2016) Seasonal diff erences in contaminant accumulation in neotropical migrant and resident songbirds. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 72:39–49

Why Accuracy Matters: The Bigger Picture for Environmental Science

This correction underscores a fundamental principle in scientific research: accuracy is paramount. Even small errors can have cascading effects, influencing how data is interpreted and potentially impacting conservation strategies. In the case of environmental contamination studies, precise data is essential for understanding the risks posed to wildlife and human health.

For researchers, this correction serves as a reminder of the importance of meticulousness in every step of the scientific process, from data collection to publication. It highlights the need for careful review and verification to ensure the integrity of research findings. For conservationists and policymakers, it emphasizes the need to rely on accurate and reliable data when making decisions about environmental management.

Ultimately, the pursuit of accuracy in scientific research is a collective responsibility. By upholding the highest standards of integrity, we can ensure that scientific knowledge serves as a solid foundation for addressing the complex environmental challenges facing our world.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s00128-018-2383-8, Alternate LINK

Title: Correction To: Organochlorine Chemical Residues In Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis Cardinalis) Eggs From Greater Washington, Dc Usa

Subject: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Journal: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Christopher J. Schmitt, Kathy R. Echols, Paul H. Peterman, Carl E. Orazio, K. Christiana Grim, Shirlee Tan, Nora E. Diggs, Peter P. Marra

Published: 2018-07-03

Everything You Need To Know

What was the focus of the study involving Northern Cardinal eggs, and why is it significant?

The study focused on organochlorine chemical residues found in the eggs of Northern Cardinals in the Greater Washington, DC area. These pollutants, formerly used in pesticides and industrial applications, can harm wildlife. Monitoring these residues is vital for effective environmental management and understanding the risks posed to bird populations.

What specific errors were corrected in the study about Northern Cardinal eggs, and why are these corrections important?

A misspelled citation, 'Maldinado et al (2015)' instead of 'Maldonado et al (2016)', was corrected. Also, the unnecessary phrase 'shell thickness' was removed. While seemingly minor, such corrections ensure proper credit, facilitate verification, and prevent reader confusion, maintaining the integrity of the scientific literature.

Why are accurate citations and precise language important in scientific research, specifically in the context of the study involving Northern Cardinals?

Accurate citations ensure proper credit is given to the original researchers (Maldonado et al.) and allow others to easily locate and verify the information. Precise language avoids confusion and misinterpretation of the research findings. Maintaining data integrity ensures the trustworthiness of scientific results related to organochlorine chemical residues in Northern Cardinals.

Why is accuracy so vital in environmental science, especially when studying environmental contamination in Northern Cardinals?

Accuracy in environmental science is crucial because even small errors can affect how data is interpreted and potentially impact conservation strategies. For example, inaccurate data on organochlorine chemical residues in Northern Cardinals could lead to incorrect assessments of the risks to bird populations and ineffective conservation efforts. Precise data is essential for understanding the risks posed to wildlife and human health.

What are the broader implications if scientific publications, such as those studying organochlorine residues in Northern Cardinals, do not maintain accuracy and correct errors?

This correction highlights the importance of accuracy, precise language, and data integrity in scientific publications. If errors in studies about organochlorine chemical residues in Northern Cardinals are not corrected, it can erode trust in scientific findings, potentially discouraging conservation efforts and hindering the development of effective environmental policies. It emphasizes the importance of continuous scrutiny and correction within the scientific community.